Feeling a sense of sadness, Poppy studied her sister’s face. The girl had been through so much, and there she was like a little angel, sitting up in bed, doubting her father’s love.

‘He never loved any of us. But while we’re being honest, I think he had a thing for Kendall. It was just the way he looked at her. But I’ve been thinking a lot about stuff lately, and I want to move out. How about you?’

Brooke’s eyes suddenly lit up. ‘What? Do you mean me and you?’

Poppy nodded, pleased with the way the conversation was going. ‘Why not? This house is full of secrets, and it’s strangling the life out of me. Think about it. Kendall was miserable, and they made her unhappy, I just know they did. I’ve never felt that this is a healthy situation. It’s all fake and stifling. I want to leave and begin to live like Kendall wanted to.’

‘Yes, I hate it here as well. There’s no love in this house. Mother only loves her job, and Dad, well, he just loves himself. And as for his job, I don’t know what it actually is, do you?’

‘Overseas property, I believe. Anyway, I’ve secured a job at the post office. I start on Monday. Fuck uni. I’m done with that. It wasn’t a great course anyway, and I did some reading up on that too. The educational system is all about job statistics and providing jobs for university staff. My media course won’t get me a job. There are thousands looking for work. I was thinking that maybe we could ask Kendall’s father. He has property. He gave Kendall a flat.’

Brooke gasped and put her hands to her mouth. ‘What? Poppy, you can’t ask him, it would be . . . well, insensitive.’

Poppy shook her head. ‘You didn’t meet him, I did. He isn’t the type to get all sentimental. You should have heard him. He put Mother in her place.’

‘How will you contact him?’

Poppy winked. ‘I went through Kendall’s stuff and found his phone number. I could call him, if you want. He can only say no.’

‘Go on, then. I’m up for that. I would love to get away from here, from them.’

Both the girls began to giggle and started to make a plan. ‘Let’s just go and not tell them,’ said Brooke.

Poppy bounded to her feet. ‘Mother won’t be back ’til midnight. She’s got one of her meetings. I’ll go down to the log cabin. I know Dad puts the suitcases there.’

Brooke pulled her quilt off. ‘I’ll start sorting out my stuff. This is so exciting. Where will we go tonight, though?’

‘Nowhere. Let’s just get packing and be ready to leave tomorrow, once we sort out a place.’